Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that it had targeted and destroyed several Ukrainian fighter jets in an attack on the Myrhorod air base in central Ukraine. This follows reports from pro-Russian social media on Monday claiming that two missiles struck the base in the Poltava region, allegedly destroying up to seven fighter aircraft and causing numerous casualties among ground personnel.
According to Moscow, the strike destroyed five operational Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jets and damaged two others under repair. The Russian Defense Ministry shared a brief video purportedly showing the air base attack, which included at least one visible explosion.
Russian Iskander strike on a Ukrainian airfield near Myrhorod. BDA appears to show a few destroyed and multiple damaged aircraft pic.twitter.com/gNljh42NdF
— Preston Stewart (@prestonstew_) July 1, 2024
Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat confirmed the attack but downplayed the extent of the damage, acknowledging “some losses” but not to the scale claimed by Russia.
The attack reportedly involved a Russian Iskander missile, targeting the air base approximately 100 miles from Ukraine’s northern border with Russia.
Russian Lancet drones have previously hit Ukrainian jets at other air bases, straining Ukraine’s air capabilities. The Ukrainian air force, which started the war with around 125 jets, has lost approximately 90 aircraft.
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